Although Spanish is Peru’s official language, Quechua is the living language of the Incas. Hearing Quechua in the markets, in the villages of the Sacred Valley or among people in the mountains is one of the most authentic experiences of a trip to Cusco.
Learning a few phrases earns you smiles from locals and opens the door to real conversations. Here are 10 key phrases for your trip.
How to read the pronunciation: the syllables are spelled for English speakers. Vowels sound as in Spanish (a as in «father», i as in «machine», u as in «rule»). «Ch» sounds as in «church», «ny» as in «canyon» and «kh» like the «ch» in Scottish «loch».
Polite phrases for connecting (the most important)
| Phrase in Quechua | Pronunciation (approximate) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Rimaykullayki | Ri-may-ku-yay-ki | Hello! (a respectful greeting) |
| Allillanchu? | A-yi-yan-chu | How are you? (the most common question) |
| Allillanmi | A-yi-yan-mi | I’m fine. |
| Tupananchiskama | Tu-pa-nan-chis-ka-ma | Until we meet again (better than «goodbye»!) |
Phrases for the street and the market
| Phrase in Quechua | Pronunciation (approximate) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Añay | A-nyay | Thank you. (short and sincere) |
| Allin p’unchay | A-yin pun-chay | Good morning. |
| Imataq sutiyki? | I-ma-takh su-tiy-ki | What’s your name? |
| Maymantam kanki? | May-man-tam kan-ki | Where are you from? |
Phrases for compliments and bargaining
| Phrase in Quechua | Pronunciation (approximate) | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Hayk’aq? | Hay-kak | How much (does it cost)? (essential at the market) |
| Sumaq | Su-makh | How beautiful! / How tasty! (for food or crafts) |
The secret to speaking Quechua
The secret is in the intonation. Speak with a smile, with respect and stressing each syllable clearly. Don’t worry about perfect grammar: what counts is the effort, and it’s always well received.
At Tari Tours, we believe travel goes beyond seeing landscapes: it’s about connecting with people. Ask your guide for the exact pronunciation on your next tour.
Want to practice Quechua in the Sacred Valley?
We’re a local agency in Cusco, registered with MINCETUR since 2003, with English-speaking guides. We run the Sacred Valley tour, with villages and markets where you’ll hear Quechua in everyday life.